1086 Doomsday Book

Brighton was known as 'Bristelmestune' as recorded in the Doomsday book, the first census? in England.

The Domesday Book was commissioned in December 1085 by William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066.

The first draft was completed in August 1086 and contained records for 13,418 settlements in the English counties south of the Scottish border.

In the Doomsday survey of 1086, Brighton and three manors are recorded in the entry for Bristelmestune.

1) Brighthelmston-Lewes.
2) Brighthelmston-Michelham.
3) Brighthelmston-Atlingworth, this last included the Church of St Nicholas. The name Atlingworth survive today off St James Street as a Street name.

1086 Brighton named in the Doomsday Book of 1086,

'Bristelmestune' (Brighton)
Ralph holds Brighton from William. Brictric held it by gift of Earl Godwin. Before 1066 and now it answered for 5 1/2 hides.> Land for 3 ploughs. In Lordship ½ plough; 18 villagers and 9 smallholding's. 3 ploughs and 1 slave.

From tribute 4000 herrings. Value before 1066 £8 12s; later 100s; now £12.

Brighton was valued at £12 and was charged a rent of 4,000 herring.

Brighton's was a fishing village. 'Bristelmestune' was the old name for what is now the City of Brighton & Hove.

Patcham entry in The Doomsday Book. In the small village of Patcham; William holds Patcham himself, in Lordship. Earl Harold held it before 1066.

Then it answered for 60 hides; now for 40. Land for 80 ploughs. In lordship 8 ploughs; 168 villages and 45 smallholder's with 82 ploughs, a church, 6 slaves, 10 shepherds, 84 acres woodlands, 100 pigs.
Total value before 1066 £100; later £50; now £80.